(Rye Meads Visitor Centre continued) Family fun days Hartham Common [B-C3] King’s Meads [D2] Parks, woodland & nature reserves are also organised particularly to engage children who This pleasant area of parkland is situated adjacent Managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Hertford & Ware can loan a special ‘explorers pack’ when they visit. Amwell Nature Reserve [G3] to Hartham Leisure Centre. Walks lead across the this is the largest area of grazed riverside meadow in Only moments from the River Lea towpath, the common and into the wooded area known as The Hertfordshire. The rivers and ditches which criss-cross Get out nature reserve is a mecca for local wildlife after being Warren. Besides the tennis courts, football pitches the site traditionally fl ooded the fl at land; but because Activity Map transformed from its former use as a quarry. Managed and children’s play area there is also a trim trail and of falling water levels this now happens less often. Waterford Heath & Marsh [A-B2] and explore by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust the site is swimming pool to keep you fi t! A skate park has also This combination of ditches, fl oodwater and regular The marsh provides a great place for a stroll along the renowned for populations of waterfowl, breeding birds, recently opened. grazing has created a rich wetland habitat that is River Beane which you share with grazing cattle and dragonfl ies and damselfl ies. Although public access becoming very rare in Britain. passing trains on the Hertford North branch. There is an open space into the reserve is limited, spectacular views across the The heath was developed into a community nature site including the lakes can be gained from the public within walking distance Hertford Heath [E4] park in the mid nineties once the former sand and hide by Great Hardmead Lake. Access the hide from the Managed by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust the Postwood [E3] gravel workings closed down. A number of footpaths of almost every home and towpath or Amwell Lane. rare, damp heathland of Hertford Heath (and its pools) Just a short walk from Ware town centre and railway cross the heath which can be accessed from Sacombe attracts newts, dragonfl ies and damselfl ies. Nuthatch, station is Post Wood. Ideal for a short woodland walk, Road, Bullsmill Lane, Vicarage Lane by car are from offi ce in Hertford and Ware tree-creeper, all three species of woodpecker and a circular route is waymarked by wooden posts with Waterford Marsh on foot by following paths under the and many more are just a Balls Wood [D5] birds of prey are found in the woods. In spring white bands. This can be accessed by car from the car railway line. Balls Wood has mature hornbeam coppice, ash and maple fl owers appear in the wooded areas and in summer park in Walnut Tree Walk or from the town centre and The heath harbours a unique yet wide variety of plants short trip away. and some conifers. The woodland rides attract butterfl ies – the rides are alive with butterfl ies and spring fl owers. station via London Road and Postwood Road. and animals. A diverse range of plants thrive in the including the white admiral. Bluebell and wood anemone Hertford Heath is designated as a Site of Special This ancient woodland has been in existence since gravely soil including Viper’s Bugloss and the Carline burst out in the spring, whilst fl ocks of tits and fi nches Scientifi c Interest (SSSI). Heather is a scarce plant at least 1600 AD. Oak, hornbeam and holly trees Thistle. Many species of butterfl y live here. You may This map covers the main can be enjoyed in winter. In autumn, the different types of in Hertfordshire these days, so to enjoy specatular predominate as do birds and wildlife including the also spot willow warblers and sky larks in the Spring. wood bring forth a wonderful array of fungi. displays of heather, visit the reserve in the late nuthatch, treecreeper and greater spotted woodpecker. urban areas and the summer to autumn. Visit during April and May and see a rich blue carpet surrounding countryside. of Bluebells. There are loads of open spaces to discover, cycle Amwell Nature Reserve Hertford Heath Priory Park & Lido [E2] The largest of all the parks in Ware can be found in the tracks to ride and parks grounds of The Priory. This park has a children’s play area with equipment for all ages and a refreshment to play in. So get outside, kiosk (from May to September inclusive). There is a also a basketball court and putting green. Next to the breathe in the fresh air and park is the heated outdoor pool open everyday from May to September. – all this within a one minute walk take a bit of gentle exercise. of the High Street. Rye Meads Visitor Centre Whether you want to fi nd a Waterford Marsh new route to get to work or Rye Meads Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre [G5] Only a few minutes walk from Rye House railway school, walk the dog, cycle, station, this reserve is jointly managed by the RSPB and Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Visit the hides to have a family picnic, grab see many different varieties of bird life. In the Summer where to walk, cycle months, amongst other species you will see common a sandwich away from the & have fun outdoors in: terns nesting and the breeding site of kingfi shers. Explore the lakes and trails, see water buffalo grazing offi ce or kick a ball around, Hertford, Ware, Waterford, Bengeo, and learn more in the visitor centre. Look out over use this guide to explore Hertingfordbury, Hertford Heath, marsh, reed bed and water meadow. Entrance is free all year round and there are many special events and enjoy the local area. Great Amwell, Hailey which you can attend. (continues) Balls Wood Kings Meads Other leaflets Major walking & cycling trails Museums Other places of interest Cole Green Way & Cole Green Way [A4-B3] Hertford Museum [B3] St Leonard’s Church Bengeo [C3] Hertford to Ware towpath: The old branch line that linked with the East Coast Set in the heart of the town, the museum is located Claims to be the oldest building in Hertford and is a Covers the 10 mile walking and cycling Main line at Welwyn was closed in 1966 as part of in the old market area of Bull Plain in an early 17th fi ne example of Norman architecture with an unusual route between Welwyn Garden City, the Beeching cuts. The Victorian brick bridges and the century town house. It is enhanced by a charming wooden spire. The simple interior includes a Norman Hertford and Ware town centres. An platform at Cole Green remain as the only reminders recreated ‘Jacobean’ Knot garden of intertwined font, a 13th Century wall painting and an Anchorite’s old railway line, canal towpaths, open of its past. hedges of box and lavender. Displays depict Hertford’s cell where a religious recluse once lived. spaces and quiet roads create a green Today it provides a pleasant, fl at and traffi c-free historic past as a royal borough, market for a large [E2] route which also forms part of the route from Hertford to Welwyn Garden City. In recent rural population and county town. St Mary’s Church Ware The church has stood in the High Street for over 1,000 National Cycle Network. years the path has been integrated into the National There is a changing programme of temporary years being built in 1078. In 1380 it was rebuilt and the Cycle Network and provides a well signed cycle exhibitions. Free entry. The museum will close on 24 Priory built. A little further afield… link between both town centres. The 7 mile ride can December 2008 for major redevelopment and will re- Walking & Cycling The Ayots usually be cycled in less than an hour without all the open in early 2010. Jacob’s Island [C2] The recently upgraded Ayot Greenway worries of traffi c congestion. It makes a great route for This natural island has recently been managed as an links the centres of Welwyn Garden City both leisure and work journeys between Welwyn and otter habitat. It is one of the most important sites in Hertford. and Wheathampstead along the old Ware Museum [E2] Hertfordshire for otters, following reintroduction on railway line to Luton. Traffi c-free, apart Why not use the Cole Green Way as part of a circular Occupying the Priory Lodge, the museum has a the Rivers Lea and Stort in 1991. from a small section in Ayot Green the walk into the countryside? Refreshment is available en permanent display on “The Story of Ware,” including trail also criss-crosses many footpaths route at The Cowper Arms at Cole Green. For cyclists archaeology. Temporary exhibitions, changing every Hertford Castle [B4] to the villages of Ayot St Peter and Ayot who would like to go further afi eld you can link into two months, feature many aspects of the town’s life, The building often referred to as Hertford Castle is in St Lawrence. the Great North Way and Ayot Greenway in Welwyn such as arts and crafts, buildings, malting and other fact the gatehouse. The castle itself no longer stands Garden City. Pick up a Cole Green Way leafl et for more but occupied the enclosed area behind the gatehouse. Alban Way industries. Contact the museum for opening times. details. Free entry.